PR Lead
Location: US, NJ, Totowa
Employment type: Full-time
Required experience: Associate
Required education: Bachelor's Degree
Industry: Public Relations and Communications
Function: Public Relations

Company profile:
NFP is a leader in the delivery of benefits solutions for companies of all sizes and in the delivery of life insurance and wealth management solutions for high net worth individuals. Our leading, independent broker/dealer offers a wide range of choices from some of the nation’s top investment companies. NFP operates and reports in three segments that provide diverse products and services to corporate and high net worth individual clients: the Corporate Client Group, the Individual Client Group and the Advisor Services Group.*Our advisors partner with clients to help provide them with comprehensive solutions, backed by NFP’s open architecture approach, national scale and resources. NFP is focused on optimizing cross-selling opportunities and building recurring revenue, and diversification, ensuring the company is well-positioned for long-term growth.*NFP Advisor Services Group is a business segment of National Financial Partners Corp. (NFP) that includes NFP subsidiaries NFP Securities, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, and NFP IndeSuite, Inc.

Job description:
NFP HR Services (part of National Financial Partners) is leading this search effort on behalf of our client company and is recruiting a Public Relations Lead to join their team of professionals.  This position will be based in the client's office in Totowa, NJ 07512.This position will be responsible for building and maintaining cooperative relationships with the press, the community and consumer interest groups; responding to requests for information from the media; monitoring coverage; and crisis management. The PR Lead will also position and sell-in information to the media, monitoring and reporting on competitor activity and relevant media topics.  In addition they will plan, develop and communicate PR campaigns and attend press and media events. They will assist in the creation of broadcast, print and online features to drive the news agenda. Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Effectively communicates (by means of 1:1 contact, in writing, by telephone, e-mail or social media) with people outside the organization, representing the company to the media, members, partners and other external sources.Creatively obtains data and information from all relevant sources; analyzes data/information and determines appropriate methods of utilizing and incorporating it into PR plans, functions and activities.Analyzes survey results on relevant media topics; makes appropriate conclusions and reports on findings.Oversees and develops, designs, or creates new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.Plans, develops and communicates PR campaigns; attends press and media events.Writes and edits news alerts, press releases and drafts blog posts/content.Effectively communicates ideas, project status, and other information with the Global Head of Communications &amp; PR and other company leaders and peers, by various methods (1:1 contact, in writing, by telephone, e-mail or in person).Lead, manage and assign PR projects and activities, as required.

Requirements:
QUALIFICATIONSRequired Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities:Effectiveness in independently managing and developing a team of PR professionals, and keeping the management team well-informed about activities and progress toward business goals.High level of orientation to achieving results and business goals.Excellent understanding of how the public relations industry fits in with social and traditional media.Excellent skills in identifying PR opportunities on a proactive and reactive basis.Superior verbal and written communication skills; articulate and enthusiastic in verbal, written and face-to-face communications.Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills; meticulous attention to detail.Very high levels of creativity, with strong ability to generate and inspire new ideas and outside-the-box thinking.Solid understanding of the importance of tailored media communications.Proficiency in technical computer skills such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint); effectively leading research activities and report-writing.A career motivated yet “work hard, play harder" attitude. Required Education and Experience:Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism or related area – though in exceptional circumstances this may not be a prerequisite if skill set, attitude and industry experience combined are adequateAt least three (3) years’ experience in a similar role in Public Relations; or five (5) years’ experience in a similar role in Journalism; or a combination of at least five (5) years’ experience in relevant roles in Public Relations, Journalism, and/or Marketing.At least (1) one year of supervisory / management experience. Supervisory Responsibilities:Supervise one (1) team member (Public Relations Assistant), though the team size will increase in 2015 and beyond.May require local / regional travel up to 25% of time.

Benefits:
The client company offers a comprehensive benefits package to all of their full-time employees, including medical, dental and prescription insurance, life insurance, paid time off including holidays, a casual work culture and many other benefits.